2023 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4x4 on 2040-cars

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Chevy Blazer and Easter Jeeps | Autoblog Podcast #576

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder and Assistant Editor Zac Palmer. They do a rundown of the latest news, including rumors of the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma sharing a platform, Jeep's insane Easter Safari concepts and an upcoming "entry level" performance Ford Mustang. Then they talk about driving the new Chevrolet Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, and compare driving the Genesis G70 to the Kia Stinger. Finally, they take to Reddit to spend someone's money on a new crossover. Autoblog Podcast #576 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Toyota Tacoma and Tundra to share a platform? Jeep Easter Safari concepts "Entry level" performance Mustang? Cars we're driving: 2019 Chevy Blazer 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 2019 Genesis G70 Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:

2015 Jeep Renegade Sport 4x4 Quick Spin [w/video]

Which is the most entertaining Jeep Renegade you can get? While one might make an argument for the Trailhawk model and its accompanying off-road hardware and consequential go-anywhere ability, that car comes with one glaring flaw – its 2.4-liter engine and nine-speed automatic transmission just aren't very entertaining. Instead, I submit the turbocharged, 1.4-liter base engine and its accompanying six-speed manual, a position that was reinforced after a recent stint behind the wheel of a very basic Sport 4x4. Not only do you get a fair amount of the Trailhawk's off-road ability – the Selec-Terrain system and a 4WD Lock mode are standard, but you'll be without the 20:1 crawl ratio and Rock off-road mode – you'll also enjoy a more dynamically interesting powertrain. Read on to see why the force-induced Renegade might just be the way to go. Driving Notes My first date with the Renegade was on the mostly empty, winding roads of northern California. There, the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four with 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque felt fine – with no traffic and few stoplights along the drive route, it was easy to keep the engine on boil. But this engine isn't as enjoyable in day-to-day suburban traffic. Power arrives suddenly – peak torque comes between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm – and if you don't use it, you lose it. There's not much oomph in the higher end of the rev range. With such a peaky powerband, it's easy to get caught flat-footed if you're not paying attention. Thankfully the manual transmission makes it simple to stay engaged and in the correct gear. The stick-shift is enjoyable to use, with a firm clutch that's easy to modulate and shift action that isn't sloppy or vague. The 1.4-liter engine sounds good. Turn down the stereo, stomp on the throttle, and you'll be treated to a delicious turbo whistle and a smooth exhaust note. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I want Mopar to offer the Fiat 500 Abarth's exhaust on the Renegade. It'd be fun. If you do prefer the stereo, know that the Renegade's standard four-speaker unit is weak. Base models don't offer Bluetooth or satellite radio, but you can add both of those luxuries, two extra speakers, and a five-inch touchscreen for just $695. Not a bad bargain. The Koni frequency selective dampers do an excellent job of managing both small, frequent imperfections (like freeway expansion joints), and the bigger potholes that still haven't been fixed after the havoc of Detroit's winter.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Deserthawk and plug-in models coming soon

BOLOCCO, Italy — Today at FCA's Italian proving ground, Mike Manley rolled out the roadmap for Jeep's next five years. Manley has been in charge of Jeep since 2009 and has helped boost sales to more than 1.5 million units globally thanks to the success of models like the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler and submodels like the Trailhawk and Trackhawk. Well, there's more on the way, including new sand-prepped Deserthawk models, the return of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates, and electrified versions of every model by 2021. While the plan for these next five years is a little less firm than the last one, it does provide the American automaker with some flexibility and breathing room. If you'll remember, by 2018 we were already supposed to have a new version of the Grand Cherokee as well as the premium Grand Wagoneer. Both of those are still coming, just not as soon as Jeep had hoped. Additionally, by 2022 Jeep plans to roll out two new three-row SUVs, new versions of the Renegade and Cherokee as well as the long-awaited Scrambler pickup. All in, Jeep plans to launch two models per year by 2022. That includes eight plug-in hybrids for the North American market. We saw one of the first Wrangler PHEVs at today's presentation. There are also plans to have a Level 3 autonomous vehicle on the market by 2021. Jeep will double down on its heritage, arguably one of the biggest things the brand has going for it. Its rugged image has helped boost sales in a market already clamoring for utility vehicles. By the end of 2018, FCA expects 1 in every 17 utility vehicles sold worldwide to wear a Jeep badge. The ratio should be even better for 2019. Related Video: